Opportunities in the green space

With energy transition central to the zone’s goals, it is well-positioned to help businesses ramp up their sustainability efforts while staying profitable. For example, green finance initiatives such as the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) will enable large corporations to purchase renewable energy directly from independent power producers. This will help businesses to procure renewable energy more efficiently and at a lower cost.

“With the CRESS in place, businesses will gain access to green electricity in the JS-SEZ, making it an attractive destination for sustainable and transition finance,” said Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Maybank.

 

Fast-growing halal industry

Another key growth area for JS-SEZ is its potential to become a hub for the global halal industry, a fast-growing sector projected to exceed US$5 trillion by 2030.

“Through our solid global Islamic banking experience in ASEAN, we are strategically positioned to assist in providing shariah-compliant Islamic finance and also to enable access to the halal ecosystem and marketplace for businesses,” said Dato’ Khairussaleh.

Halal2u, Maybank’s exclusive Islamic financial solutions tool for halal business establishments, is also available to businesses looking to expand in the JS-SEZ.

 

Wealth management hub

The zone is also seen as a prime destination for wealth management. This is because of the Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) located in Iskandar Puteri, one of the zone’s flagship areas.

“For multinational corporations and fintech start-ups, the integration of Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) within the JS-SEZ will be a game-changer. It will become a major hub for cross-border banking, fintech innovation, and capital flow, bolstered by Forest City’s financial incentives,” said Mr Alvin Lee, Country CEO of Maybank Singapore. “The zone’s tax incentives and strategic location will create opportunities for businesses seeking to expand in ASEAN markets.”

With the goal of becoming a regional finance and economic hub, FCSFZ has rolled out attractive tax incentives to attract family offices and asset management firms to the region.

As more businesses explore opportunities in the JS-SEZ, it pays to have a trusted banking partner and advisor. Maybank’s expertise in the cross-border banking sector is well-established – customers made more than 366,000 cross-border transactions in 2024, a jump of nearly 60 per cent from the year before.

“By leveraging our deep market insights and connections in both Malaysia and Singapore, we aim to complement government efforts while supporting businesses at every stage of their life cycle, from start-up to global expansion,” said Dato’ Khairussaleh.